The Ultimate Showdown: Canon EOS R Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM vs Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM – Which Lens-Camera Duo Will Elevate Your Photography Game?

Choosing the right camera and lens combination is a crucial decision for any photographer. When it comes to Canon’s full-frame mirrorless system, the EOS R and EOS R5 offer distinct features and capabilities, and pairing them with the versatile RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the professional-grade RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lenses can further enhance your photographic journey. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two camera and lens combinations, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications.

The Canon EOS R: A Compact and Affordable Full-Frame Option

The Canon EOS R is a compact and lightweight full-frame mirrorless camera that provides exceptional image quality and performance at an attractive price point. It features a 30.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor, a powerful DIGIC 8 image processor, and a robust autofocus system with 4779 selectable AF points. The EOS R is a versatile camera suitable for various genres, including landscape, portrait, street, and travel photography.

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM: A Budget-Friendly and Versatile Prime Lens

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact and affordable prime lens designed for the EOS R system. It offers a classic 50mm focal length, known for its versatility and ability to capture natural perspectives. Its fast f/1.8 aperture allows for shallow depth of field and excellent low-light performance. The STM motor ensures quiet and smooth autofocus, making it ideal for video recording as well.

The Canon EOS R5: A High-Performance Powerhouse for Professionals

The Canon EOS R5 is a professional-grade full-frame mirrorless camera that pushes the boundaries of image quality, speed, and video capabilities. It boasts a 45MP full-frame CMOS sensor, a high-performance DIGIC X image processor, and an advanced autofocus system with 1053 selectable AF points. The EOS R5 is capable of shooting 20fps with continuous autofocus and tracking, making it a top choice for sports, wildlife, and action photography.

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: A Masterpiece of Portrait Photography

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a professional-grade prime lens renowned for its exceptional image quality, fast aperture, and stunning bokeh. Its 85mm focal length is ideal for portrait photography, providing flattering perspectives and subject isolation. The f/1.2 aperture delivers exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field, creating dreamy backgrounds and emphasizing the subject. The lens features a robust build, weather sealing, and a silent and precise autofocus system.

Comparing the Two Combinations: EOS R + RF 50mm f/1.8 STM vs. EOS R5 + RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Image Quality: Both combinations deliver exceptional image quality. The EOS R5 with its 45MP sensor and advanced image processing offers higher resolution and detail, while the EOS R with its 30.3MP sensor still produces excellent results. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens, with its superb optics, delivers superior sharpness, contrast, and micro-contrast compared to the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM.
Autofocus Performance: The EOS R5 boasts a more advanced autofocus system with faster and more accurate performance, especially in low-light conditions. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens also features a faster and more precise autofocus system compared to the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM.
Video Capabilities: The EOS R5 excels in video recording, offering 8K video at 30fps and 4K video at 120fps. The EOS R can also record 4K video at 30fps but lacks the advanced features of the EOS R5. Both lenses offer smooth and silent autofocus for video recording.
Portability and Size: The EOS R with the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a more compact and lightweight combination, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography. The EOS R5 with the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is larger and heavier, but it offers the advantage of professional-grade features and performance.
Price: The EOS R with the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a more affordable option, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious photographers. The EOS R5 with the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is significantly more expensive, reflecting its professional-grade features and performance.

Ideal Applications for Each Combination

EOS R + RF 50mm f/1.8 STM:

• Travel and Street Photography: The compact and lightweight nature of this combination makes it ideal for capturing candid moments on the go.
• Portrait Photography: The 50mm focal length provides flattering perspectives for portraits, and the f/1.8 aperture allows for shallow depth of field.
• Everyday Photography: This versatile setup is perfect for capturing a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to everyday scenes.

EOS R5 + RF 85mm f/1.2L USM:

• Professional Portrait Photography: The 85mm focal length and f/1.2 aperture create stunning portraits with exceptional subject isolation and bokeh.
• Wedding Photography: The combination’s high-performance autofocus and image quality make it ideal for capturing important moments at weddings.
• Fashion and Editorial Photography: The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens delivers exceptional sharpness and detail, making it perfect for high-end fashion and editorial work.

Choosing the Right Combination for You

The best choice between the EOS R + RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the EOS R5 + RF 85mm f/1.2L USM depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a compact and affordable option for everyday photography and travel, the EOS R with the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is an excellent choice. If you need professional-grade performance, high resolution, and exceptional image quality, the EOS R5 with the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is the way to go.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Photographic Partner

Ultimately, the best camera and lens combination for you is the one that best suits your photographic style, budget, and needs. Both the Canon EOS R + RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the Canon EOS R5 + RF 85mm f/1.2L USM offer distinct advantages and cater to different levels of photographers. By carefully considering your priorities and exploring each combination’s features, you can make an informed decision and find your perfect photographic partner.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: What is the main difference between the EOS R and the EOS R5?
A: The EOS R5 is a more advanced and professional-grade camera than the EOS R. It features a higher-resolution sensor, more advanced autofocus, faster shooting speeds, and superior video capabilities.
Q: Which lens is better, the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM or the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM?
A: The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a professional-grade lens that offers superior image quality, faster aperture, and better autofocus performance compared to the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. However, the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a more affordable and versatile option.
Q: What are the key features of the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens?
A: The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact and affordable prime lens with a fast f/1.8 aperture, silent and smooth autofocus, and a classic 50mm focal length.
Q: Is the EOS R5 worth the extra cost compared to the EOS R?
A: The EOS R5 is worth the extra cost if you need professional-grade performance, high resolution, and advanced video capabilities. However, the EOS R is a more affordable option that still delivers excellent image quality and performance.
Q: What are the benefits of using a prime lens like the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM?
A: Prime lenses generally offer superior image quality, faster apertures, and smaller size compared to zoom lenses. They are also ideal for creating shallow depth of field and achieving stunning bokeh.